On May 20, 2019 a new organization in Assiniboia called the Senior Songbird Society is presently inaugurating a new bird sanctuary in town. The society want this sanctuary to attract songbirds and discourage blackbirds who often chase the songbirds away. Blackbirds also gorge on the food left inside bird feeders.
In order to discourage blackbirds, special feeders with wire cages are needed, which will enable smaller birds to feed on, such as Goldfinches, who have just arrived along with the dandelions in the spring. Goldfinches love to eat Niger seed, which is smaller than other feeds, thus necessitating feeders without perches for blackbirds to sit on. Goldfinches and Pine Siskins alike are adept at feeding upside down by hanging from a feedhole.
Presently, the society obtained a gazebo for enhanced viewing to allow for closer encounters of the songbirds flying into Assiniboia. The gazebo, provided by a builder at a discount and funded by some donations, was delivered and installed in early May in the southwest part of town. Birdfeeders will soon be installed on each corner of the gazebo. The gazebo will also provide a much-needed area to socialize for coffee and card games, along with providing free shows from the songbirds visiting Assiniboia. The gazebo is available for public use. Indeed, the Songbird Society actively encourages other members of the community to use this new addition.
The Senior Songbird Society are planning to ask all Assiniboian bird lovers to supply bird seed and supplies. The society also wants senior duplex residents in town to act as volunteer managers for this new project. Additionally, bird baths require daily maintenance with fresh water and feeders, which will need refilling on a regular basis.
The society invites the public to attend their fundraiser at 121 Steakhouse on Thursday, June 20 from 5-8 p.m. The Senior Songbird Society is hoping to purchase feed and other necessary supplies with the proceeds accumulated from their fundraiser.
